Dugout Discussion

Rashford fit to start while Hazard remains on the left flank

Six Premier League matches take place this evening before the Gameweek 21 showpiece of Manchester City v Liverpool brings the frenetic festive fixture schedule to a close ahead of FA Cup third round weekend.

Four of tonight’s games kick off at 19:45 GMT, with Bournemouth v Watford (due to a delay) and Newcastle United v Manchester United getting underway at 20:00 GMT.

There aren’t too many surprises in the team selections this evening, with many of the more widely-owned Fantasy Premier League assets getting a start.

Marcus Rashford has recovered from a groin problem to keep his place in Manchester United’s starting XI, with Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial also unsurprisingly named in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez make the bench.

Fabian Schar replaces the injured Federico Fernandez in Rafael Benitez’s only alteration, while Florian Lejeune makes the matchday squad for the first time in 2018/19.

Eden Hazard is again deployed on the left flank as Alvaro Morata replaces the injured Olivier Giroud, but Chelsea are otherwise unchanged from the side that beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in Gameweek 20.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has really shuffled his pack for this encounter at Stamford Bridge, making eight changes – including the recall of Danny Ings – following the 3-1 defeat against Manchester City.

In the delayed kick-off on the south coast, Ryan Fraser returns to the Bournemouth starting XI after his benching at Old Trafford.

Javi Gracia has made five changes to his team, with Jose Holebas, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Troy Deeney among the players handed a recall.

Andy Carroll makes his first Premier League start in over a year for West Ham, who have new signing Samir Nasri among their substitutes.

Glenn Murray replaces Florin Andone up front in Chris Hughton’s only change.

Joao Moutinho and Helder Costa return to the Wolves starting XI, while Jordan Ayew gets his first start since Gameweek 17 as Roy Hodgson switches to a 4-3-3.

David Wagner has made two changes to his team and seemingly reverted to a 4-2-3-1, while Sean Dyche trusts the same 11 players who beat West Ham three days ago.

Bournemouth XI (3-5-2): Begovic, Cook, Ake, Daniels, Brooks, Lerma, Gosling, Fraser, Stanislas, Wilson, King.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster, Femenia, Cathcart, Mariappa, Holebas, Sema, Capoue, Doucoure, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Deeney.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Hazard, Willian, Morata.

Southampton XI (3-4-3): Gunn, Yoshida, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Valery, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Cedric, Armstrong, Ings, Redmond.

Huddersfield Town XI (4-2-3-1): Lossl, Kongolo, Schindler, Zanka, Hadergjonaj, Hogg, Billing, Mbenza, Pritchard, Kachunga, Mounie.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Heaton, Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson, McNeil, Barnes, Wood.

West Ham United XI (4-4-2): Fabianski, Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Diop, Cresswell, Rice, Obiang, Snodgrass, Anderson, Arnautovic, Carroll.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (4-3-3): Button, Montoya, Dunk, Duffy, Bernardo, Stephens, Propper, Gross, March, Murray, Locadia.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-4-3): Patricio, Bennett, Boly, Coady, Doherty, Saiss, Moutinho, Jonny, Costa, Cavaleiro, Jimenez.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt, McArthur, Milivojević, Kouyaté, Townsend, Ayew, Zaha.

Newcastle United XI (3-4-2-1): Dubravka, Yedlin, Schär, Lascelles, Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden, Diame, Atsu, Pérez, Rondón.

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Lindelöf, Shaw, Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Mata, Martial, Rashford.

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5,260 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Lindelof worth getting at 4.8?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Man U looked poor at the back still

      1. rocrocodile
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        They certainly did. Don't expect them to get lots of clean sheets.

  2. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    57 with Laporte to go. Green arrow and yes it's a brag post.

    1. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Would have thought it is average score in fairness. My mini league has three on over 70

      1. BENOIT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        No chance is 57 average this week

      2. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Lol way above average

        1. Bruin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Over 3 million dead teams. If you are in top million maybe a green. Doubt its a green in top 5 k. Where are you?

          1. *Reformed-Character*
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            I was ranked 900th but this has been a dreadful week 🙁

            57 would absolutely be a green arrow in top 5k

          2. *Reformed-Character*
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            I think we may be on exactly the same points after tonight looking at your team, you have more players left tho!

  3. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Have the wheels fell off the Wolves train????

    1. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Well and truly.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      only seem to perform against top teams.

  4. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Only win for me this gw was not giving in to the Pogba hype. Would have meant multiple hits.

    Pogbust?

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Pogballs

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Agree. He’s crap

    3. Crouching Tiger
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Four games, four goals, four assists. Definite bust.

    4. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I don’t have but i’d be worried not having after Spurs. He still could have scored a bucket load tonight

  5. Mike2795647
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Managed to finally win a game week in my head to head league over Xmas fixtures. 12 - 9. currently sat at 60 points with Ederson, TAA and Firmino still to go and hoping for a nice Firmino hatrick and pool win tomorrow

  6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hopefully that’s Fraser &Wilson coming back into form for their run now - Everton, West Ham, Cardiff in next 4... all specialists in conceding goals 🙂

  7. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    It was always Lukaku

    Where were you when I needed you FFS Pundits?@

    Where were you?

  8. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Son given any assists today?

    1. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Son I am disappoint

  9. el polako
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Another captain fail, but at least I was right and few round here should have decency to apologise.

    Joking.

    No need 😉

  10. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Rashford essential on WCs this GW!

    1. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes fast before price rises

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Can’t trust Hazard can you

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      True, his teammates the real problem.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Agree

  12. F4L
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    looking to ship Martial, anyone considering Shaqiri?

  13. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Pogba has almost been involved in points several times despite a lacklustre performance. Shame he's already peaked this season, ut should tick over nicely so long as he doesn't completely lose his head. Happy to own.

    Martial looks sharper, but much less essential to the attack. I still think he'll get plenty of minutes, so willing to hold on for another week or 10. So much potential at a cheap, cheap price.

    Rashford is probably OGS's favourite player at this moment in time. I feel a bit lucky to have got good points from him two games in a row, but it helps me in my quest to hold onto him for the good fixtures coming up.

    Looks like the triple up reamins for another week, at least. Now to decide whether to complete a Manchester midfield 5 by buying KDB.

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      "peaked" comment is tongue-in-cheek. I have no idea what his form witll be in 3 months.

    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Thinking of bringing Pog in for Martial here, 'cuz, as you say, much less essential to the attack.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I think he's a ittle more likely to be involved when both on the pitch, too. Painful, annoying, but might be a wise move. Wouldn't do it this week though

  14. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Trollzard strikes again

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      The Morata effect 😉

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yes, 6.6 pts/game average is a disgrace.

  15. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Love Hazard but I'll be moving him on for Salah. Best FPL mid under 6.5 mil to pair with him?

    1. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Mili rock

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Pereyra or Fraser

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Pereyra is crap.. don’t even mention his name

    3. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      If Loftus is nailed go for him

  16. J T
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Who selling Haz before Newcastle at home then?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I'm captaining

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Not if Giroud and Pedro still injured.

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Had money to buy but probably won't bother.

    3. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      obviously still a great option but I'm not as confident captaining him anymore. 11 million option that I'm unsure of captaining? Need to re-assess

      1. J T
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah I have the same feeling.

    4. fenixri
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I am

    5. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I probably will. Chelsea attack just not working right now.

    6. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Tempted to sell indeed. Will blank vs Newcastle. But then he will prob score vs Arsenal AND Bournemouth. Arsenal cant defend and he loves to play vs BOU

    7. Trane84
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Keeping. Last chance saloon for him.

  17. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    West Ham have Arsenal and Bournemouth defences next 2 games. I might double up Felipe and Arnie.

    1. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Arsenal has conceded one goal all year mate, what are you on about.

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Haha good one

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      😆

  18. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Button-Guaita working a treat so far 😀

  19. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    66 points. Salah to come. WBU

    1. J T
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Nice 45 Sterling & sane

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      59, Robbo left

      1. rocrocodile
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        46 (with Rashford's bonus). Salah and Robertson left.

        Poor GW, but not catastrophic.

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Lol exact same 66 + Salah

    4. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Halve it. On a wildcard too. Hate myself so much.

    5. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      50
      Ederson Robbo Salah Sane to go.

      Not expecting much from all of them though

  20. tm245
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    How did Felipe look with Arnie and Carroll playing? Am wondering if I should hold on to him or if he is diminished behind those two.

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      He was pretty crap

      1. tm245
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers, something to think about for sure.

  21. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Is Fraser still the best value for his price?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      probably

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I posted this yesterday. Way better than the likes of Rich

  22. Rushford
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    A) Bellerin + Chicharito -> Digne + jimenez

    B) Bellerin + Chicharito -> Bamba (rotate with Awb) + Arnautovic

    C) Kane + Sané + Højbjerg -> Salah + Kamara + 8.6 (-4)

  23. Budweiser
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Snodgrass to Brooks? Have no Bournemouth cover

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Brooks wouldn't have covered much tonight.

  24. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    20 pts on my bench is painful this week. Doherty and Digne played over Kola and AWB and Kamara last with 5pts.

    -1 last wk first on bench.

    1. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Just the 34 on my bench! ... at least I get Pereira coming on for 12 of them
      Lingard coming on for 3 minutes was a kcik in the nuts - otherwise I would have had Rashford's 12 points too

  25. J T
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    45 with Sterling & Sane to go, still hope for a green arrow yet.. just

  26. Monkey Hanger
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Top 10k average is 48.

  27. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Sold Rashford instead of Hernandez to Kane because it meant I could afford Brooks over Camarasa... kicking myself now...

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Eew Hernandez now Arnie back. That's gross

  28. The Train Driver
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Captain?

    A. Arnie (ARS)
    B, Richarlison (BOU)

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Auba if you have him

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Salah. Are you joking about Rich as C? Surely team can't be that bad

      1. The Train Driver
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        67 points this week with Sane and Mane to go. Fraser first on bench.

        Don't have Salah or Auba.

        Rich playing BOU that are letting in goals for fun.

        Arnie playing ARS, well, the same case there...

        Both home.

  29. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    All my six players today blank ... red arrow!

  30. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Please everyone sell Hazard to complete the troll process 🙂

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I did weeks ago. 5 scores 3 or less in last 10